One of Bali’s top monkey forest attractions has confirmed that it will be increasing its insurance policy for visitors following a recent tragedy.
Sangeh Monkey Forest in Badung Regency experienced one of the worst tragedies in the last decade in early December, and the team has vowed to reduce risks for visitors.
On 3rd December 2025, Sangeh Monkey Forest was hit by one of the worst storms in the last decade. Dozens of old-growth trees fell within the temple complex that sits within the monkey forest attraction. Many of the ancient temple structures were destroyed, and one member of staff died in a building collapse caused by a falling tree.
Following the incident, the attraction was closed for over a week as the management team and local community cleared the damaged trees and temple buildings, and conducted cleaning ceremonies at the temple for their colleagues.
Speaking to reporters following the incident, the Head of Abiansemal District, IB Putu Mas Arimbawa, shared, “Due to the extreme weather, several trees measuring 50 meters high and 1.5 meters in diameter fell, throwing down almost 80 percent of the temple area.”
Speaking, Ida Bagus Gede Pujawan, Head of the Sangeh Tourism Object Management, explained that Standard Operating Procedures and risk assessments have long been in place at the attraction and that, despite all best efforts, the incident on the 3rd December was beyond human control.
Nevertheless, the team has been reviewing all public safety measures at the wildlife tourism attraction to ensure that visitors, staff, and the monkeys are as safe and secure as possible, whatever the weather conditions.
Pujawan explained, “Previously, I had established a rule that if it rained, guests would be evacuated out of the forest. Because, considering the height of the trees and the characteristics of nutmeg tree roots, they grow sideways, so their roots don’t penetrate the ground.”
He added, “So, going forward, we will have a manual alarm setup. If it rains or something, I will provide a code there, informing guests to evacuate, and they will be taken out immediately.”
This week, Pujawan has issued updates confirming that increased insurance cover has now been taken out at the attraction and is included in the entry fee of all visitors. The insurance also covers the risks associated with visiting a wild monkey habitat, such as rabies.
Pujawan explained, “Because the Sangeh tourist attraction is an animal-based tourist attraction, of course, incidents that occur due to animals are scratches and bites, so we at Sangeh Monkey Forest do provide insurance.”
He added, “We are collaborating with the Badung Regency Health Office, which has designated the Abiansemal Community Health Center as a rabies center. When an incident occurs, we immediately transport guests to the Abiansemal Community Health Center for further medical treatment.”
He concluded, “The Sangeh Tourist Attraction offers insurance. It covers permanent injuries, or even if a guest dies.”
While attractions in Bali have insurance policies in place, it is essential that all visitors to Bali take out a fully comprehensive travel and international health insurance policy prior to traveling to Indonesia. The policy should provide cover in the event of natural disasters as well as medical emergencies.
It is important for tourists to understand what activities are and are not covered by their insurance policy, as many of Bali’s top activities, like visiting wildlife facilities, mountain climbing, ATV riding, and surfing, are not included in standard policy packages and require add-on coverage.
Sangeh Monkey Forest is an increasingly popular attraction for tourists seeking to visit an off-path wild monkey habitat in Bali. The attraction is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm, with last entry around 4 pm.
The most famous monkey forest attraction in Bali is the Ubud Monkey Forest, which can be found in the heart of Ubud. Another lesser-known forest is Alas Kedaton in Tabanan Regency, which is a good option for tourists staying in Canggu and the Tanah Lot areas.
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